Upton responds to hazmat situation at railroad

UPTON — Public safety departments responded to a chemical spill Wednesday afternoon at the Grafton & Upton Railroad. The railroad notified town departments of the spill.

Rail yard employees on scene reported a faulty valve on a transloading cart caused approximately 100 gallons of Styrene to be spilled. The transloading area of the rail yard is equipped with an impervious ground cover that contained the spill to an isolated area, according to the police department.

Using the appropriate Hazmat guidelines, Fire Chief Aaron Goodale immediately isolated and evacuated an area surrounding the spill site to a distance of 150 feet. The evacuation area did not include any nearby homes or businesses, the police department said.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Hazardous Materials Team and Department of Environmental Protection went to the scene to provide assistance, according to the police department.

The chemical Styrene is commonly used to produce Styrofoam and other plastic products. The chemical is highly flammable and has a fairly low flash point. Fortunately, the current cold weather conditions greatly reduced the dangers of ignition.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Hazmat officials and Upton Public Safety Officials are monitoring the cleanup and removal of the spilled material by Clean Harbors. The site will continue to be monitored over the next several days, according to the police department.

The Upton Fire Department received assistance at the scene from area departments including Hopedale Fire, Grafton Fire and Hopkinton Fire. Grafton & Upton Railroad representatives remained on scene throughout the incident, the police department said.

"The Grafton and Upton Railroad has planned and trained for rare situations like this, and railroad personnel followed procedures to the letter," said Doug Pizzi, spokesman for the Grafton & Upton Railroad. "The railroad also greatly appreciates the professionalism of everyone who responded to the spill."

The Department of Environmental Protection and Massachusetts Hazardous Materials Team have determined that any lingering odor near the scene is non-hazardous.